The haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia: history, rituals and their significance in Islam

More than two million Muslims from around the world are beginning the five-day haj pilgrimage on Sunday. They will circle Islam s most sacred site, the cube-shaped Kaaba in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca, and take part in a series of rituals intended to bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims.
Here s a look at the pilgrimage and what it means for Muslims:
What is the purpose of the haj?
The haj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all able-bodied Muslims are...